The European Commission responded to a citizen petition. The petition requested a European ban on conversion therapies. These are practices that attempt to 'cure' people of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Commission is clear in its position. Conversion therapies are not real therapies. They are harmful and dangerous for LGBTQ+ people. The Commission completely condemns these practices.

Yet the Commission says it cannot impose a ban itself. It believes this cannot be done effectively at European level. Banning these practices is a task for member states themselves, it argues.

This answer disappoints many LGBTQ+ activists. They had hoped for strong European legislation. Such a law would protect all countries simultaneously. Now protection remains dependent on each country individually.

The Commission does promise to pressure member states. It wants to encourage them to introduce national bans. It will continue raising this issue in talks with governments.

Currently, only a few EU countries have banned conversion therapies. In many nations, these practices remain legal. LGBTQ+ organizations are concerned about young people. They are often most vulnerable to these harmful methods.

Scientists and doctors agree on this issue. Conversion therapies do not work. They cause serious psychological damage. Depression, anxiety, and suicide occur more frequently among victims of these practices.

The citizen petition gathered hundreds of thousands of signatures. This shows many Europeans want a ban. Political pressure therefore remains high.

LGBTQ+ organizations continue their fight. They keep lobbying for a European ban. They hope the Commission will take more action in future. For many LGBTQ+ people, this is not political. It is a matter of safety and dignity.